(Newswire.net — December 16, 2020) — Trends have always shown that travel will peak during certain holidays. People are taking breaks from work and other commitments to travel to wherever their loved ones may be. It’s a time for relaxation, catching up with old friends, and celebrating with cocktails.
During the holidays, there’s an influx of cars on the road as people make their way to destinations. During this time, it’s crucial that you are an astute and proactive driver. That’s because certain holidays bring about certain dangers on the road. The following are the top three holidays where you want to ensure that you’re focused while on the road.
Thanksgiving Weekend Tops the Danger List
Thanksgiving tops the list as the busiest travel holiday for Americans. That’s because it kicks off the start of the holiday season when many people will be traveling long distances to be with their families. During this time, snow also blankets much of the states, making travel conditions slippery and cumbersome.
The Triple Threat of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a dangerous time for drivers for three main reasons:
- Drunk drivers
- Snow, rain, and sleet can be present
- Crowded roads and impatient drivers
Thanksgiving is the biggest drinking holiday of the year. During this time, many OWI task forces are out looking for drunk drivers, but you still need to be aware. Car accidents can happen at any time, and you need to always be prepared for that fact. The most crucial first step in any accident is to document evidence after a car accident. If you forget, certain evidence can be lost or missed over time.
The Dangers of Drunk Drivers on New Years
New Years Eve and the weekend that follows is another dangerous time to be on the roads due to slippery conditions and drunk drivers. This is a time when people flock to the bars early, drink all day, and continue throughout the weekend to celebrate.
During this time, there’s an influx of drunk drivers, wrong-way drivers, and other carelessness on the road. In January, frigid temperatures grip much of the United States, which in turn makes people less inclined to walk to destinations after drinking.
Know What to Do on the Roads
If you need to drive on New Years, make sure you are prepared. Not only should you be alert while driving, you should know what to do if you find yourself in an accident with a drunk driver or if you come across an accident:
- Have a fully charged phone to call for help or document any damage
- Keep blankets and an emergency kit in your car
- Keep calm and focus on your surrounding
You should never drive if you’ve been drinking at a New Year’s Eve party. If you plan to drink, appoint a designated driver or call an Uber.
Memorial Day Marks the Official Start of Summer Party Season
Memorial Day has long been considered the unofficial start to summer. People like to get together with friends, spend time outdoors, boat, fish, and of course drink. Many popular outdoor spots like parks, beaches, and bars get pretty crowded.
If you plan on driving during this time, be ready for a few things. The first being that traffic will uptick during the warm summer months as many people finally look forward to getting back out there after being cooped up for so long. There will be drunk drivers on the road, particularly during the daytime hours since Memorial Day is considered an “all-day holiday.”
Always be Alert
Sadly, you’ll never really be able to control how other people drive or the decisions they make before getting behind the wheel. That’s why you always need to be alert and scan the road, anticipating other drivers’ next moves.
During the holidays, roads will get crowded and drivers will get agitated because of that. Just keep calm to avoid road rage, be alert for impaired drivers, and know how to handle whatever may come your way.